PRESS COMMUNIQUÉ
Paris, 24 June 1996

Research Institutes Remain Essential To Maintain Scientific And Technical
Experise In TheNuclear Field

A new study released by the OECD Nuclear Energy
Agency (NEA) warns against the risk of a loss of nuclear expertise and
know-how resulting from a general trend among OECD countries towards the
non-renewal of ageing research facilities, a lack of qualified personnel
to replace those reaching retirement, and reduced operating R&D budgets
in the nuclear field.

The study "Trends in Nuclear
Research Institutes", notes that at the beginning of the search
for peaceful applications of nuclear technology several decades ago, there
were many scientific and technological obstacles that required research
and development (R&D) efforts in order to bring the benefits of nuclear
science and technology to society. Nuclear research institutes (NRIs),
most of which were established by central governments in the 1950s or
1960s, have played an indispensable role in the implementation of technological
and regulatory infrastructure for nuclear science and technology, including
development of nuclear technology expertise, both at national and international
levels and also in the creation of the nuclear power industry. They have
also contributed to the development of applications of nuclear science
and technology in many other areas, such as materials, environmental health
and safety, medicine and agriculture.

Today, NRIs find themselves in very
different circumstances than during their initial years. The nuclear industry
has matured, and many companies are now undertaking their own development.
The evolution of public interest in nuclear power has influenced government
policies on nuclear matters, and this in turn has affected NRIs. The question
arises as to how these changing conditions may influence our ability to
maintain vital scientific and technological assets, e.g., the R&D facilities
and expertise needed for the future in nuclear and other fields.

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The future role of NRIs in OECD countries will depend on a number of strategic
choices, involving the relative emphasis on nuclear R&D versus other energy
technologies. However, the NEA study notes that NRIs will have important
nuclear-related work to do in the future, including R&D on the improved
operation of existing nuclear reactors, the next generation of reactors,
the decommissioning of nuclear facilities, processes for the management
of radioactive waste, the restoration of contaminated sites, nuclear non-proliferation
technology, etc.

Since nuclear power is international
in scope, increased co-ordination among NRIs in OECD Member countries,
or even worldwide, would be valuable in optimising nuclear expertise and
facilities. There are many excellent examples of international collaboration
between NRIs or joint R&D programmes, as well as joint international sponsorship
of R&D programmes and facilities at selected NRIs.

For the purposes of this study, some
40 nuclear NRIs in 17 countries, plus the European Commission were involved,
and their experiences, benefits and projected future are presented in
this new NEA publication.